A term sheet spelling out certain aspects of Fitzgerald's deal with MSU has been publicized, but a complete version of his contract has not been. 

MSU spokesperson Emily Guerrant said the university plans to release the full contract once Fitzgerald signs it.

"While the Board did approve today, we also need to make sure it’s signed by Coach Fitzgerald before we release," she said. There are no concerns about whether he will sign, she said, but "just the logistics of making it happen."

Fitzgerald’s appointment and his contract were approved unanimously by the board.

MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz, during his opening remarks, called Fitzgerald "a proven leader who understands the full mission of intercollegiate athletics." 

Fitzgerald's term sheet, which was obtained by The State News, shows he's agreed to a five-year deal extending through Jan. 31, 2031. It stipulates that he'll have an annual base salary of $4 million for each of the five seasons, as well as supplemental pay starting at $1 million, and increasing by $500,000 each year. The term sheet also includes a number of performance incentives, which are bonuses for specific achievements. 

It's unclear what the complete contract that the board approved includes beyond what's spelled out in the term sheet.

Fitzgerald was fired as coach of Northwestern University's after the student newspaper reported on allegations that widespread hazing — including coerced sexual acts — had been occurring amongst his teams for years. 

Independent investigations ordered by Northwestern and civil lawsuits against the school brought by former players and Fitzgerald found widespread evidence of years of severe hazing on Fitzgerald’s teams, but no evidence that he had direct knowledge of what was occurring. Northwestern’s investigation did conclude that coaching staff had "significant opportunities to discover and report the hazing conduct." 

The Daily Northwestern also reported in July 2023 instances of widespread racism in Fitzgerald’s football program. Multiple former players told the student newspaper that players of color were told to cut long hair to fit in with Fitzgerald’s so-called "Wildcat Way," and assistant coaches reportedly made racist remarks to players.

Northwestern ultimately agreed to undisclosed settlements with both former players and Fitzgerald, with the university president releasing a statement saying the lawsuits uncovered no evidence that Fitzgerald "condoned or directed any hazing." Fitzgerald said the settlement left him feeling "vindicated." 

Guskiewicz told The State News last week that he is "very comfortable" with hiring Fitzgerald, and that the university did its due diligence in vetting him.